Publication

This paper reviews the domestic and international reactions to Kosovo's declaration of independence on 17 February 2008. It summarizes the first steps taken after the declaration, outlines the main challenges for Kosovo's government and comments on the involvement of the international community. Furthermore, it addresses Serbia's strategy toward Kosovo and the local Serbian minority, focusing on parallel institutions and blurred border controls. The paper argues that more countries must recognize and embrace the new state and demonstrate to Serbia that it will not be permitted to break up Kosovo.